A 13% Decline in Those Very Concerned Compared to 2003
November 3, 2009 – Calgary, AB – A new study released by Ipsos Reid examining Online Privacy and Security has found that 34% of online Canadians are ‘very concerned’ with their Online Security, a decline of 13% from 2003. However, those online Canadians who state that they are ‘somewhat concerned’ increased by 11%. The overall level of concern (80%) remains consistent with 2003.
Study author Mark Laver notes that �a shift in attitudes has occurred in the last six years with respect to online security. As more Canadians bank online, pay bills and purchase products and services online users clearly see the Internet as being more secure. As such, their corresponding level of concern has declined.�
Online Canadians aged 35 or older are significantly more likely to be concerned with online security (82%). In comparison, only 72% of those aged 18 to 34 state that they are concerned. Across the country, Ontarians are least likely to be concerned (76% vs. 80% to 88% for other provinces/regions). Concern also declines as household income increases.
�These findings also reflect changes in societal norms,� continues Laver. �Many people can find information about themselves online by using search engines, or because they have created profiles at popular social networking sites. Online Canadians may be becoming used to the fact that there is all this information about them online.�
This release is based on the findings of an Ipsos Reid syndicated study, the Inter@ctive Reid Report, fielded in Q2, 2009. This online survey of 852 Canadian adults was conducted via the Ipsos Online Panel. The results are based on a sample where quota sampling and weighting are employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample’s composition reflects that of the actual Canadian population according to Census data. Quota samples with weighting from the Ipsos online panel provide results that are intended to approximate a probability sample. An unweighted probability sample of this size, with a 100% response rate, would have an estimated margin of error of +/- 3.36 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
About Ipsos Reid
Ipsos Reid is Canada’s market intelligence leader, the country’s leading provider of public opinion research, and research partner for loyalty and forecasting and modelling insights. With operations in eight cities, Ipsos Reid employs more than 600 research professionals and support staff in Canada. The company has the biggest network of telephone call centres in the country, as well as the largest pre-recruited household and online panels. Ipsos Reid’s marketing research and public affairs practices offer the premier suite of research vehicles in Canada, all of which provide clients with actionable and relevant information. Staffed with seasoned research consultants with extensive industry-specific backgrounds, Ipsos Reid offers syndicated information or custom solutions across key sectors of the Canadian economy, including consumer packaged goods, financial services, automotive, retail, and technology & telecommunications. Ipsos Reid is an Ipsos company, a leading global survey-based market research group.
To learn more, please visit www.ipsos.ca.
About Ipsos
Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world.
Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media. They measure public opinion around the globe. Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos has a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999. In 2008, Ipsos generated global revenues of �979.3 million.
Visit www.ipsos.com to learn more about Ipsos offerings and capabilities.
